Israel Parliament Holds Special Mourning Session for Sharett

July 16, 1965

JERUSALEM (Jul. 15)

The Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, today held a special mourning session marking the seventh day of the passing of Moshe Sharett, chairman of the Jewish Agency executive and former Premier and Foreign Minister. With Sharett’s empty seat in the Knesset draped in black, the Israeli leader was eulogized by Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, Knesset Speaker Kaddish Luz and David Hacohen. David Ben-Gurion, who has not attended a Knesset session since he resigned from the Premiership, was present at today’s special session.

Speakers at the session, which was attended by high officials and members of Sharett’s family, while hailing Sharett’s achievements and personal qualities, also dwelt on his removal from office nine years ago, implying criticism of the manner in which it was done. The Jewish Agency executive held a memorial meeting earlier in the day at which Aryen Pincus, Agency treasurer, delivered a eulogy. The executive decided to appoint, jointly with the Government, a committee to prepare a plan for commemorating Sharett’s name.